Brett Holzhauer, CPFC®

New #FreelanceWriting #jobs are up at All Freelance Writing. Remember to follow the site's page here on LinkedIn or check the comments on the original post for a link to subscribe via email so you never miss job updates.

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Is charging per hour dying out for freelancers? I posted a poll recently asking how freelance writers are charging. Here are the results from 167 votes: 🐾 42% of writers charge per word 🐾 37% charge per article 🐾 11% charge per word bracket (eg: 1 - 1.3k words) 🐾 10% charge per hour 🔜 Plus, of the 600+ applicants we have in our database, 20% of them left the per/hour box empty. Whereas, ALL 600+ left a per word rate. 🤔 I've noticed charging per hour can do one of two things: 1. Give clients a reason to contest the time you're planning to spend 2. Result in you getting paid less because you can do things quicker = suffering because of your experience. It's leaving freelancers shying away from per hour rates, even when requested to provide one. They either feel like their rate is too high and won't win the gig. Or, that their time to complete is too low, and they're not being compensated for their experience/speed. Vlad Adrian Iancu brought a new pricing idea to the table which I LOVED: Per Value. 💝 I've taken this idea and built on it to develop a pricing strategy that considers your unique experience alongside industry standards: 💰 Per value pricing 💸 [avg. per hour] x [years of experience] = (per hour rate) (per hour rate) x [per no. of hours it will take you, that you're now comfortable disclosing] EG: ▶ $40 x 4 = $160 ▶ $160 x 3 = $480 What do you think? Could this help you find that pricing sweet spot if a client asks for an hourly rate? Does this inclusion of experience help justify how much you charge per hour? Let me know! 💐 #freelancewriting #freelancercommunity #freelancers #pricingstrategy #gigwork #freelancer Freelance Business Community, Open Assembly.

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Hey, freelance writers! It’s *last call* for “pay what you can” group coaching. I have a few slots left for my May 7 group coaching call at 8:00 a.m. (Central European Time). Who should sign up? Any freelance writer who… ✅ Has questions about running a freelance writing business. ✅ Wants 1 hour of group coaching…but doesn’t want to pay hundreds for it. (Pay whatever you can contribute. Honestly.) ✅ Is free tomorrow (May 7) at 8:00 a.m. (Central European Time). Why are these sessions “pay what you can”? I’m looking to get feedback and testimonials on the service, so you’ll be asked to fill out a brief survey after the call. Good for you. Good for me. 🙌 ➡️ If you’re interested, let me know in the comments or DMs, and I’ll get you all the info!

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Freelancers: The most important thing about a contract with a new client... That you review it with the client before starting. Don't just send it and assume they've read it. Review it with them. Go over all the terms and conditions. Get them to sign off, in writing.

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Writers' block is just an excuse. I've written every single day for 860 days.. .. without running out of content ideas. Here are 5 tips you can use to crush your writers' block forever: 1. Curate It's better to write something than nothing. • Summarize a podcast • Summarize key takeaways from your favorite book • Curate resources for your niche Content is everywhere. You just need to know where to look. 2. Freewrite Set a timer for 10-15 minutes. Brain dump any thoughts that come to your mind in a journal. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Just let the words flow. This practice will help you break down mental blocks. 3. Learn how to create outlines. Looking at a blank page can be overwhelming. So, have multiple outlines ready. That way, you won't have to stare at a blank page. You just need to fill up the outlines. 4. Use Prompts & Templates Sometimes, we need a little nudge to get started. Use prompts & templates to spark ideas. 5. Embrace Imperfection Perfectionism can lead to writer's block. Accept that your first draft won't be perfect. Write with the intention of editing later. Remember, done is better than perfect. -- And that's about it. If you liked this, 2 things: - Repost this to share it with your audience - Follow me for more content on writing & copywriting I'll see you next time. Cheers.

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A great test to see if your copy is too formal is the "comma Mary” test. The test comes from Bruce DeSilva, a thriller author and former journalist. The test: put ", Mary" at the end of a statement. Then read it aloud. If it doesn't sound right—namely, too formal—turn the word-choice dial toward less specialized, more conversational until it feels right. Example: “Undergoing regular cancer screenings is the expert-recommended approach to discovering cancer early enough to optimize treatment options and improve health outcomes, Mary." or "Regular cancer screenings help find cancer early, which is why experts recommend them. Treatment works best then and can help patients live longer, Mary." Which one are you most likely to say to a person? Now, it's no silver bullet; you'll want to go deeper and look at your writing decisions—sentence length along with word choice and order. But the "comma Mary" test is a great tool to judge your copy's readability. And to make changes toward making it more human—if that's what it needs, Mary. Alexandra Howson and I talked shop about voice last year. #writing #storytelling #medicalwriting

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Want a simple way to increase your earnings? ASK. Yes, it can be that simple. Ask for more money. I mostly write in the editorial space and this means editors set the rate. One thing I've learned from other writers, even if it's scary, is to ALWAYS ask if the editor can increase the rate. I don't wait to work with the editor for the first time. I ask when it's an editor I've never worked with. Why? I prefer to increase the rate for my first piece because the next time I work with them, they offer the same rate. And imposter syndrome doesn't get in the way of asking after I've written for them. The best part is when they say yes to my next pitch or better yet, assign me an article and they go with my "new" rate. The first time I sent an email asking the editor, I agonized and probably spent 30 minutes crafting a one-question email. Yup, really. I don't remember the editor or the publication. I'd have to go through lots of emails. I DO remember they said YES, which inspired me to do it again. Sometimes I still get cold feet and hesitate about asking. Sometimes I think, it's a "good" rate to begin with. But hey, I have to remind myself that the worst they can say is no. Now, editors aren't always able to increase it, depending on their budget. Here is the thing: If you don't ask, the answer is no. I rather ask and receive a NO than assume or self-reject myself. Have you asked for more and had success? Or were you told no? Or if you haven't asked editors for more, let me know what's stopping you? —---------- Hi, I'm Lauren. I write about health and nutrition, food systems, gardening and lifestyle topics. Do you need an experienced content or commerce writer to write blog posts, articles or web copy ? Please get in touch. I'm fully booked for June. I have some availability in July and August. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Cpypto Writer Needed on Contract Based Terms UNLIMITED articles await writers who: Craft well-researched content Follow instructions meticulously Consistently deliver quality work Invest a little time initially to master our guidelines, and you'll be crafting content swiftly and efficiently in no time. WRITE TODAY...GET PAID AS EARLY AS THIS FRIDAY! **** PLEASE READ **** - Articles revolve around Tech Topics - We have ongoing work for talented writers - Pay Rate on your skills and experience (0.5Pkr to 2.5pkr)/word - Use of any AI is prohibited ------- Tech Savy writers You should know About Major Sub-Niches of Tech Like NFT Finance Bitcoin Ordinals Layer 2s ZK-rollups Bitcoin Altcoins Blockchain and Industry Applications Decentralized Finance (DeFi) NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) Crypto Trading Crypto and Compliance Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) Stablecoins Decentralized Applications (dApps) Crypto Mining Metaverse Crypto Payments Crypto Security Financial Products on Blockchain You know how to write different types of Tech articles Educational Guides: In-depth explanations of crypto concepts. Market Analysis: Insights into cryptocurrency trends. Investment Tips: Strategies for crypto investments. Product Reviews: Assessments of crypto-related products. News Updates: Timely information on crypto developments. Interviews: Conversations with industry experts. Regulatory Updates: Changes in crypto regulations. Technology Explainers: Explanations of crypto innovations. Opinion Pieces: Commentary on crypto trends. How-to Guides: Step-by-step instructions for crypto tasks. - How to Apply Filled out this Google Form https://lnkd.in/dr-ZXFZj or - DM directly to the message or WhatsApp: 03073808776 Requirement Must send CV Portfolio Author Profile Lindindin or x profile 5 Best Samples Tech Samples( from any tech niche mentioned Above) published on the web 💰

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Fellow writers, can we talk about ways to stimulate ideas for pitches when you're feeling sort of creatively barren? I don't know if it's the state of the industry right now that has me at a loss (kind of like, what's the point??), or if it's something else, but what are your strategies for getting the creative juices flowing? #freelancing #freelancewriting #writers

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This is an excerpt from E. Prybylski's insightful post. If you are considering an editor but wondering about the cost, I recommend reading it. Editing is an investment that can help your book transcend into something truly special that speaks to readers. "I want to remind people that, above all, when you’re working with an editor, you are working with a human being. Most of us are deeply passionate about writing and editing and about our professions. Most of us are not wealthy at all (many are barely middle class, if that). Many editors come from backgrounds like disability or neurodivergence. We have studied our profession out of that deep passion I mentioned before, and we truly love what we do... Editors are your cheerleaders, your companions, your friends, and your mentors. And we need to eat, too." - E. Prybylski If cost is a factor you are balancing, consider focusing on one round of editing (developmental, line, copyediting) or an editor who offers a combination service to help you be cost-effective. Note that editing is a time-intensive process, and editors will acknowledge that combination service won't be as effective as both a developmental edit and copyediting pass, but sometimes it is what your budget, your book, and your readers need. Not sure what is right for your book? Ask an editor! Posts like these exist because we genuinely care and want to help you succeed, even if that means we are not the right fit editor for you. We can advise you on what type of editing your book needs to succeed and what might be optional. Feel free to reach out for a sample edit and an opinion! I (and we) are here to help.

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"Freelance writing is dead." "AI will make writers obsolete." "You can't make money anymore as a writer." Have you heard any doom-and-gloom comments like these? 🙄 If so, you're not alone. I've recently wondered about the practicality of my future as a writer. Then, I had a realization: There will always be businesses that need quality written content. ❌ AI still isn't capable of authentic, human-inspired content. ❌ Thought leadership is an essential and undervalued skill. ❌ Writers are bowing out, leaving a void of high-quality producers. Being a writer is a different ball game, and it's time to shift along with the trends. ✅ New opportunities are arising because of the changes in the industry. ✅ The need for content is growing every day. ✅ Someone's gotta show the kids on the block how it's done 😉. I'm doubling down on my efforts as a writer and editor. The sky is no longer the limit; there's a brand-new world unfolding, and we have many opportunities to capitalize. #freelancewriting #businesswriting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If we haven't met, I'm Michael, a business writing consultant who specializes in content writing and editing services. My bread and butter industries are B2B software solutions, SaaS products, tech, and marketing. Connect with me today, and let's bring new life to your business content!

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👋 Freelance writers! We rant about red flags a lot. ⛳ Let's mix it up. What are some green flags you look for in a potential client? 💚 I'll go first: 💚 When they format emails 💚 When they ask about my day 💚 When they call it a partnership 💚 When they want to clarify what's out of scope 💚 When they provide 'timeline to sign' expectations 💚 When they ask for assets that will help them champion me internally 💚 When they have no issue e-signing a PDF— e-sig tools are 💰💰 and I don't need another monthly subscription 🤣 Hoping we can create a learning thread for content managers looking to collab more successfully with the freelance community. Ps. I got all my green flag inspo from comms with ONE potential client. Hoping they sign on with dslx because they are the epitome of a green flag. Will keep you posted. 🤞 #contentmanager #contentmanagement #freelancewriters #freelancercommunity #freelancers

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Hey, freelance content writers! 👋 What's one thing every writer should include as out of scope when putting together a contract? 🤔 I'll go first: outline updates after a first draft. I can't tell you the number of times I've been stung in my freelance days because a client changed the scope of an outline AFTER I'd put together the article. Be clear on what's an edit, and what's an outright addition to your work. Ps. The last thread we put together on starting freelancing was SO insightful and I'm hoping we can create another incredible resource with this one 🙏 #freelancewriting #freelancecommunity #freelancewriters #writingcommunity #writingtips #copywriting #contentwriting

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LinkedIn for writers? It depends. It's not your typical writer's hangout. But it can be a gold mine if you use it strategically. Think of it as a professional stage, not a chatroom. Polish your profile to showcase your writing chops. Target the right audience. Editors, publishers, and even potential clients lurk there. It's a networking haven. Connect with industry folks, and join writer groups. Share insightful articles (yours or others). Build your reputation as a serious writer. Land gigs? Maybe directly, maybe not. But it positions you as a professional and increases your visibility. And who knows, that editor you connected with might just have an opening. LinkedIn isn't a magic bullet, but when used right. It can be a powerful tool in your writer's arsenal. P.S. When did you start writing? The comment section is all yours! #writer #contentwriter #freelancer Follow me, Suhaima Aijaz. Hit the 🔔 if you don't want to miss my posts.

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How do you write clear, engaging prose? Overwriting Underwriting Vagueness Overly detailed descriptions These can all contribute to writing that confuses, or worse, bores your readers. So, how do you ensure your writing is riveting, clear, and easy to connect to? Here are a few questions to consider. What do you want your reader to learn? What emotions are you trying to elicit? What purpose does this scene serve? Now read through your passage and evaluate whether it achieves the answers above. If the answer is no... Do you need more vivid details? Do you need to cut unnecessary descriptions? Did you use too many vague words (very, really, small)? This will give you a great starting point to tighten your story, write scenes with purpose, and create a story that readers can't put down.

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Bad digital writing: - Hooks you in with wild, crazy promise - Actual content is complete toilet - Leaves you feeling bored The kinda post you think "alright, i'll open it just to see" and it's just the same, regurgitated crap. A waste of yours and the writer's time. But, GOOD digital writing: - Hooks in the right person with on point messaging - Delivers on the promise in the hook - Feels impactful + engaging The secret? Attracting the right attention. Loads of random attention is pointless. Attract the right person → deliver the right content. ↓ p.s. if you want to stop chasing clients and start attracting them, try my new 3 Day Clients Come to You Challenge: https://lnkd.in/eQ4aci86 (it's free)

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How to Land High-Paying Freelance Contracts Writing for Textbook Publishers!    When freelance writers think about writing for publishers, they generally focus on book projects they create and submit, or finding work for hire book projects that are available. And while both of those options are always available, and if done correctly, can pay very well, there is another option if you are interested in making money writing for publishers.   I discovered the wonderful world of writing for textbook publishers nearly two decades ago. The Internet as we know it today was still in the early stages of being developed and, back then, it wasn’t uncommon for big textbook publishers to place ads for freelance writers to help on just about every topic from A to Z. I was hired by Macmillan to write a few chapters of a history book and a few months later, they contacted me to see if I was interested in more work.    Fast forward to now, and although very few of the big textbook publishers now find the need to place ads, they still use a large group of freelance writers, editors, subject matter experts and proofreaders. (Check out their websites. Most will have a list of current projects and needs posted.) Here is an example of a regional educational publisher who placed an ad for freelance help. I found the ad by going to Google and searching for “education writers wanted” –   Company: Green Comma   Job Title: U.S. History Writers   Description:   We are looking for EXPERIENCED ONLY US history school market writers. 3-4 writers to write student workbook pages for a Grade 8 U.S History workbook (Colonies to Reconstruction) for TN. Total pages are 160. New pages approx. 60% (100pp) but will be able to pick up and modify some pages from already existing GA or VA workbooks, 40% (60pp)…   The ad went on from there with additional information applicants would need. And, they offered $80 per page.   Textbook publishers will pay big bucks for professors, subject matter experts, etc. to create chapters, and sometimes even the entire book. However, in around 50% of those cases, most of the material is “too raw” to use and they end up hiring qualified freelance writers to rewrite and edit the pages into the final product. As a professional freelance writer, you should always be open to new and creative opportunities, and writing for textbook publishers should be high on your list! From "The Flying Nun, A Light Bulb Moment And Me: 40 Years Making Money As A Freelance Writer (Hey, You Can Do It, Too!)" available on Amazon.  

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(Editor’s Note: Periodically the editors feel compelled to clarify and even correct content produced by this author. Editors have added context after erroneous comments in today's post. Readers should proceed with caution.) People often ask me how I became an award-winning author. (Literally no one has ever asked that.) It required extensive study of Bible commentary and analyzing scripture in the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. (But mostly by receiving daily devotional emails from much smarter authors.) This process has revealed to me hidden messages in the Bible. (Only “hidden” in the sense these verses are not typically on Christian wall art. It’s right there in black and white… and sometimes red.) This insight is rare, it’s life-changing, and I am pleased to share it with you here. (While the first two claims are suspect, what the author wrote is, in fact, found here.) I call this series, “Hidden Secrets of the Bible at Work.” Here’s an example: In the gospel of John, Jesus’ expansive ministry has angered the Jewish leaders, to the point where they want to kill him. Yet Jesus remains in the area to follow God’s perfect timing for his ministry. His followers encourage him to go to Jerusalem for a bigger stage where more people can hear his message. And they encourage it with more than a hint of cynicism. “Jesus’ brothers said to him, ‘Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.’  For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” (John 7:3-5 NIV) This reminds me of work. Have you had a plan or project derailed by others? Have so many cooks stirred the pot that you lost control of your soup? Input and collaboration produce strong outcomes. But I think we also need to be careful not to let others divert our plans as they pursue their own agendas. And we shouldn’t feel our work is worthwhile only if it’s seen by a crowd. Eventually, Jesus did go to Jerusalem, but he did it in God’s timing. Jesus was focused on following his Father’s direction, just as we should be. We can start by asking for his guidance. (Huh. Fortunately, he ended better than he started.) #devotional #faith #faithatwork #faithandwork

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